Reversing mechanism



Feb- 9, 1954 J. A. HJULIAN REvERsNG MEcHANIsM 5 sheets-sheet 1 FiledDec. 17, 1952 MNI WINT? Feb- 9, 1954 i J. A. HJULIAN 2,668,452

REVERSING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 17, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 9, 1954 J,A, HJ'ULIAN 2,668,452

REVERSING MECHANISM Filled Dec. 17, 1952 5 sheets-sheet :s l

II" Q lllillll. El. 'vb' 'UI m I|| l 1 mi ,y will ,r 1 Q if 9 90' l w v"m N, Il 1 i .t 5 g 9 l f-; i S8 iii l? 25a/@M021 digi/a5 A Nw' nl'4 j.w. I W Tf lil@ Ilml I www M MU ri l H t g" 7]?) uw l gx MH nlllhnllm lll'n' I Ily .i l I I@ 3 u 1 q N b n im I MITIL-fraufh'lrl"l Feb. 9, 1954Y H- fl I' ,HPI Il )Il \"f l it' g 'I` Feb. 9, 1954 J. A. HJULIANREVERSING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 17, 1952 w g\\ w uw /w MWw Qmwwmuw Q bm ,S \\\\Q\\\\\\\\\\g\\\\\\\\\\\\\ @d um Nw. uw s wm /xw6% ik Q m .l al Jll. lHHwNWN-,nwwuwvwuf awmm wv ww & uw Q@ w mm Nh QQNuo/o, t

Patented Feb. 9, 1954 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE REVERSIN G MECHANISMJulius A. Hjulian, Palos Heights, Ill., assignor to Crane Co., Chicago,Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application December 17, 1952, SerialNo. 326,382

(Cl. Z4-323) Claims. 1

This invention relates to a valve testing machine or similar device.More particularly, it pertains to an automatic shaft reverser and torquegovernor machine which is preferably employed in predeterminatelytransmitting power from a given supply source.

Although, as will hereinafter be understood, the practical applicationsof this invention are extensive, for clarity of understanding, thefollowing description will treat largely of a single application,namely, the repeated operation encountered in the closing and opening ofa valve having a rotating stem in simulation to actual service.

Thus, it is a broad objective of this invention to provide a machinewhich will effect transmission of rotary motion to a valve stem or thelike wherein a predetermined and preset maximum valve closing torque maybe applied to the valve stem and whereupon the valve stem rotation willbe automatically reversedV for a predetermined number of revolutions inthe direction of opening after which the stem rotation will again beautomatically reversed, while the power supply means operatescontinuously in but one direction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine fortransmitting continuous rotary motion and predeterminately limiting thetorque on the driven shaft and also the number of revolutions in onedirection of rotation thereof while the machine is adjustable in thesefunctions.

The present invention constitutes an improvement over the subject matterof co-pending application Serial No. 199,299, filed by the same inventoron December 5, 1950. It provides more specifically for a machine of theabove type which includes cushioning means for the torque limitingmechanism to prevent breakage or injury and to prolong smooth operationand the life of the same and of the over-all machine.

The present invention further provides for more responsive and positiveaction of the reversing mechanism in disengagement of rotary power inthe direction of valve closing upon reaching the predetermined presettorque. This is particularly desirous and necessary for higher torquesettings as increased loading of the drive and clutch members makesrelease of the latter more diiicult and uncertain.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponproceeding with the following description read in light of theaccompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a plan exterior view of apreferred embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the structure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view of an end portionof Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view of an intermediateportion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan View of the oppositeend portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. '6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 6-6 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 6, but showing asection taken at different operative position 'of the device.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the severalviews.

As shown in Fig. 1, the improved machine is mounted on a base plate I 0having suitable holes therethrough for bolting to a casing (not shown)or other means which may enclose the entire mechanism if desired. Aconventional power drive means (not shown) is preferably employed, suchas an electric motor and being connected to shaft I2 as by sprocket andchain II or by gearing for counterclockwise rotation thereof as viewedfrom the front or Fig. 2 position. Shaft I 3 at the output end of themachine extends from said casing at the right in Fig. 2 to suitablyconnect to the exterior end of a rotatable valve stem of the valve beingtested (not shown) for repeated closing and opening operations and othertests as will be hereinafter described. The direction of rotation of theextended shaft I3 at the right is determined by gearing and clutchengagement to be later described, and rotation of the valve stem will beassumed to be in accordance with standard practice, i. e., clockwise forclosing when looking down on the valve.

Following the motion of the mechanism from said drive means, it will benoted that a bearing I 4 mounted on the base plate IU supports thedriven shaft I2. The latter member has a bevel gear It secured to theend thereof in a, conventional manner. Two oppositely disposed bevelgears Il and I8 constantly mesh with the bevel gear IG and are mountedon the shaft I3 so as to be free to rotate relative thereto.

Mounted on the shaft I3 between the bevel gears I'I and I8 is acylindrical double dog clutch member I9 having inner peripherallongitudinal grooves 2I (see Fig. 4) to receive corresponding splines 22of the shaft I3 whereupon the dog clutch member I9 is axially moved bymeans hereinafter described. Driven clutch members 23 and 24, which arerelatively nonrotatably mounted within bevel gears I 'I and I8,respectively, are separately engageable by the slidable dog clutchmember I9 to transmit the driving power to the shaft I3 in eitherdirection of rotation thereof depending upon which of the driven clutchmembers 23 and 24 is engaged,

Assuming that the sliding clutch member l 9 is engaged with drivenclutch member 23 as shown in Fig. 1, shaft I3 will rotate clockwise whenviewed from the left, that is, in the direction of valve closure, untila preset resisting torque is applied thereto as by seating of the valvedisc. The inuence of said resisting torque on the shaft I3 causes asleeve 25 mounted thereon to move axially outward or toward the right astwo diametrically opposite roller end portions of a shaft roller pin 21move by rotation of shaft I3 on two respective cam surfaces 28 locatedon the inward end of the sleeve 26. It should be noted that roller pin21 is received in notches in the sleeve 26 for effecting more positivedrive and that cam surfaces Z8 are gradual and extend nearly to thebottoms of the notches for relatively easy withdrawal of the roller pinby axial displacement of the sleeve when the shaft is subjected to thepreset resisting torque. On the other hand, sleeve is not as readilyshifted when under reverse rotation because the notches are deeper onthe opposite sides. Shifting or displacement in this instance is asafety measure and does not enter in the normal operation of the machineas does displacement during Y clockwise rotation.

It should also be noted that shaft i3 formed of two sections 29 and 3lcoming together within the sleeve 25 at Bil thereby permitting relativerotation therebetween when the re- .ting torque stops rotation of theend section Since the driving power is continuous, the opposite shaftsection 3l continues to rotate, causing roller pin 2 1 to ride on thecam surfaces 218. Rotation of shaft section 2@ in either direction isthrough roller pin 2l which bears relatively t ly within the notches inthe sleeve by means hereinafter to be described. rfwo diametricallyopposite longitudinal slots 32 are provided in the sleevev 26 to receiveopposite ends of a shaft pin thereby allowing for the axial displacementof the said sleeve while transmitting rotation.

It will be noted that the outer end of sleeve 2'o` abuts an axiallymovable non-rotatable yoke mounted on shaft section 2S and having ballbearings 31 therein, as shown in Fig. 3. Another nonrotatable yoke 38 isthreadedly mounted on bushing 39 on the outer end of the shaft section,ball bearings 4l being preferably provided for free rotation of theshaft section therethrough. shown in Figs. l and 3, two springs dfi ofpredetermined loading strength are disposed between the two yokes Se and38 which are supported upon two (2) crossbars 63, the latter membersbeing mounted on the base plate lil under the ends of the yokes 34 and38. Thus, under the influe-nce of the springs t2, yoke 3d is heldinwardly against the sleeve 2G which in turn is held in tight abuttingrelation against roller pin El for the above described rotational driveof shaft section Thus, when sleeve 25 is moved outwardly, yoke 34 iscarried outwardly with it, and with it also the rod 44 which isconnected to the yoke, the axial movement of the latter member effectingreversal of the shaft I3 by shifting the sliding clutch member lg in amanner hereinafter described.

It should be understood that the strength of the springs 2, againstwhichyoke and sleeve 26 move, determines the limit of the allowable resistingtorque. Since yolre 38 is mounted on 4 threaded bushing 3S, axialadjustment is provided by rotation of the latter through nut portion 4D.This adjustment permits preloading of springs l2 to any desiredcompression within their effective range thereby providing for variablesetting of the resisting torque necessary to cause axial movement ordisplacement of sleeve 23. A scale preferably calibrated in foot poundsand mounted on yoke 38, permits setting of the desired maximum torque tobe applied to the Valve being tested, said torque setting beingindicated by a marker or indicator 9% mounted on yoke 34 and extendingthrough a slot in the scale. Also, the springs E may be easily removedfrom the yolres 3f; and 38 and replaced by springs having a differentstrength characteristic if there is a need for a. further change in thespring resistance. In the latter case, the torque scale can, of course,`be replaced by one having a different torque range. Shaft section 2S issupported by a conventional bearing et, while section 3l is supported bysuitable bearings 'l'l, 5i, and 5?.. A dial 5d, having an internallythreaded sleeve 55 non-rotatably connected therewith (see 5), is mountedon the latter haft ection, cooperating with the shaft threads 5t forreciprocal movement thereon. a cylindrical member 521 mounted over thesleeve normally maintains the dial 54 in non-rotative relation with theshaft i3 by means of a spring loaded pin 55 which is mounted on thecylindrical member to be received within holes in the outer rim of thedial fifi. The cylindrical member 51 is held in non-rotative relation byan arm 63 which extends therefrom, member 5l being axially movable alongsaid shaft with the dial 54 by means of a screw 59 extending through themember 51 and into a circumferential groove @l in the sleeve 5S (see-Fig. 5). Thus, the dial E@ may be adjustably positioned on the shaft i3by withdrawing the pin E8 from a dial hole and threadedly moving thedial sleeve 55 along the shaft i3. By the above adjustment, the exactnumber of shaft revolu-f tions may be provided for before reversal ofthe shaft i3 takes place. A more detailed description of the latterfeature is hereinafter given. A scale 62 may be xedly positioned toindicate, through a pointer $3 connected to the arm il, the number ofshaft revolutions before reversal thereof.

Continuing with a description of the structure and the operation of themachine, when the dog clutch member I9 is engaged with the driven clutchmember 23, the dial assembly, generally designated 55, moves outwardlyor to the left on the threaded shaft i3 until the preset resistingtorque is applied thereto. Said resisting torque reverses the directionof shaft rotation by shifting the clutch member i8 in a mannerhereinafter described to be engaged by driven clutch member 2li, thedial assembly 55 then moving inwardly or to the right on the shaft i3.During inward movement of a predetermined amount, the arm 5% which isapertured for the reception of cylinder E@ slides over the same untilits albuts a collar S6 on the inner end thereof, as best shown in Fig.5. The cylinder Gil is threaded on a rod 5l which extends through amounting B8, best seen in Fig. 4, and operates by further inwardmovement of the dial assembly on two springs 439 and 'Il within casings65 and 65a respectively which are compressed by virtue of theconstruction shown in that figure. The amount of spring compression maybe adjusted by rotation of the cylinder G4 on the rod 6l as apparent inFig. 5, a screw 'l2 being provided (see Fig. 2) which extends throughlthe collar 66 to interlock the two members 64 and 61 together. Thesprings 69 and 1| are preferably positioned within the telescopingcasings 65 and 65a which contain apertures to prevent possible sluggishaction of air compression, binding, or the like.

It should here be noted that a clutch actuator member 13 is supported bythe bearings 41 and 5| and slides therein under the influence of thesprings 69 and 1| in a manner hereinafter described. End portions and 15of the actuator member 13 are adjacent the outer ends of springs 69 and1|, respectively, member 13 thereby being positioned by spring action.The central portion of the member 13 contains a guide 14 which contactsthe sliding clutch member I9 to transmit the displacement of the member13 thereto while permitting free rotation of the same. Thus, it will beunderstood that the action of the springs 69 and 1| provides for thepositioning of the dog clutch member |9 which in turn affects thedirection of rotation of the shaft |3.

At substantially the inward limit of dial assembly movement, a pin 16projecting from the arm 60 abuts a rod 11 (see Figs. 4 and 5) disposedvvithin a sleeve portion 18 of the member 13. The pin 16 moves the rod11 axially inward during further inward movement of the dial assembly torelease a catch 19 (see Fig. '1) which is pivotally mounted on themember 13, the catch normally securing the member 13 against theinfluence of the springs 69 and 1| (see Fig. 1).

An end of the catch 19 is received within a slotted shank 82 of themember 13 shown in Fig. 6,

a pin 83 pivotally securing the catch to the shank 82. Thus, release ofthe catch 19 by inner movement of the dial assembly 55 permits spring 69to shift the member 13 and the dog clutch member |9 as hereinafterdescribed. The clutch member I9, thus shifted, again engages the drivenclutch member 23, and thereby reverses the rotation of the shaft |3.

Referring to Fig. 4, the rod 11 is preferably spring loaded by means ofspring 88 which is disposed within the sleeve 18 to effect the return ofthe rod to the original position. Also, catch 19, as shown in Fig. 6, isyieldingly held downward by the spring 84 which is connected to themember 13, said catch member being supported in the downward or lowesttposition by the bar 8| projecting from the mounting 68. When the catch19 is returned to the downward position by the spring 84 after releaseby the rod 11 and shifting of the actuator 13, the actuator is therebyprevented from shifting back to its previous position by a stop pin 90projecting through the catch 19 to abut the bar 8|. Thus, the spring 1|`is maintained partially compressed by abutting the end of the member 13while the dial assembly 55 is moving outwardly.

The preset resisting torque becomes effective when the dial assembly hasreturned to its outer .position causing the rod 44 to move outwardly bythe means previously described. An inward portion of the rod 44 isreceived within a sleeve portion 86 of the member 13, as shown in Fig.6, .and a groove 81 at the inner end of the rod 44 receives a downwardlyprojecting end 85 of the catch 19, the latter member being retainedagainst the influence of the springs 69 and 1| by means of the stop pin90 abutting the bar 8|. Thus, the outward movement of the rod 44 liftsthe catch 19 to permit spring 1| to shift the "member 13, and to placeclutch member |9 in engagement with driven clutch member 24.

Rod 44, as shown in Fig. 3, is providedwitha spring 88 within a sleeve90 which allows for relatively slight adjustments in the length of therod. Also, spring 88 urges rod 44 with groove 81 inwardly so as to be inlposition to receive the downwardly projecting end 85 of the catch y19upon shifting of the member 13 back again.

The sliding clutch member I9 may be locked in a neutral position bymeans of a fork member 89 retained within a circumferential recess orgroove 9| within a collar on the member 13. The locking fork 89 may bepositioned on an extension 92 which is pivotally pinned on a shank 93.of the bearing 41 and projecting through a stem 94 on the said bearing.Fig. 6 shows screw 96 in the top of the stem 94 which can be turned downon top of the extension 92, thereby securing the locking fork 89 in thegrooves 9|, while a `spring in the stem 94, acting underneath theextension 92, normally suppotrs the fork 89 and out of engagement withthe grooves 9|.

The locking mechanism is also used in connection with setting themachine for a certain number of shaft revolutions as follows: Assumingthat eight (8) revolutions are to be applied to the stem of a particularvalve to be tested for the opening movement thereof, the machine is setpreparatory to the valve being mounted thereon by lifting the catch 19and sliding the latter member to the neutral position, locking the sameby looseningl locknut 91 and turning screw 96 downwardly to engage thelocking fork 89 in recess 9|, rotating the driver (not shown) at theoutput end of shaft |3 in the direction of valve closing until the dialassembly 55 has moved outwardly and the pointer 63 indicates the desirednumber of turns, at which time the actuator member 13 is released fromthe neutral position by turning screw 96 upwardly and the locknut 91tightened.

A summary of the automatic reversal of shaft I3 is now given inconnection with Figs. 6 and '1. Fig. 6 shows the details of the catchmechanism when the machine is in the position shown in Figs. 1 through5. Fig. 7 shows the same section as that of Fig. 6, after the machinehas operated to reverse the shaft.

Thus, in Fig. 6, actuator member 13 is secured to the left by means ofthe catch 19 being held in locked relation with the bar 8| by means 0Ithe stop pin in cooperation with spring 84, thereby providing engagementof clutch member |9 with driven clutch member 23 (see Fig. 1) androtation of the shaft I3 in the direction of valve closing. Thepredetermined maximum torque to be applied to the valve stem and set onthe torque scale 98 will become effective upon seating of the valve gateor closure member (not shown) to cause the shaft section 29 to closerotation and cause the roller pin 21 to roll on cam 28. Yoke 34 is thusoutwardly displaced as is rod 44 connected thereto, and the followingdescribed spring loading or cocking and releasing, or trigger action,then takes place.

Again referring to Fig. 6, displacement of rod 44 to the left releasescatch 19 by withdrawal of groove 81 from the end 85 of catch 19 cammingthe same upwardly and lifting the stop pin 90 over the bar 8|. Spring 1Ihaving been placed under compression as previously described then actsagainst the actuator end 15 to shift the now released actuator 13 to theright as shown in Fig. 7. Catch 19 is returned to its downward positionby spring 84, stop pin 90 engaging bar 8| to secure the same and theactuator 13 upon accerta vvhich it is Amounted against displacementtothe left.

Shifting of the actuator 13 as above described places the clutch memberI9 in engagement with driven clutch member 24 thereby reversing therotation of shaft I 3, as apparent from Fig. 1. Such rotation thenactuates the dial assembly 55 in an inward direction. As previouslynoted in connection with 4, inward movement of this assembly eiiectsinward movement of rod 61 which comprises springs E9 and II Within thecasings 65 and 65a by shouldering ontheir respective casing endportions. Continued inward movement of the dial assembly 55 places thepin 16 against rod TI as shown in Fig. 7 and further movement forces rod'll against the Icatch 1B, releasing the latter by raising the stop pin90 above the bar 8l. Spring 69 within casing B5 then shifts the actuatormember I3 to the right and back to the position shown in Fig. 6 throughabutting contact With end portion l thereof. The spring II in casing 65ais thus secured in a compressed condition by actuator 'I3 beingmaintained in the Fig. 6 position by the catch 19.

To prevent breakage of or injury to the shalt roller pin 2l and tootherwise insure smooth operation of the torque limiting mechanism andmaterially prolong the eicient life of the overall machine, cushioningmeans generally designated lili are provided at each side to absorb theimpact of the spring urged yoke 3d, thereby shielding the roller pin 2'!from the repeated blows it would otherwise receive from the sleeve 2Sand protecting the cam surfaces of the latter member from beingdistorted or pounded out of shape, particularly under the higher torquesettings, as for example, when heavier springs are employed. Each of thecushioning means or shock absorbers comprises resilient material, suchas rubber |32, received within a cylindrical casing |63 but extendingtherebeyond for providing a yielding contact with the yoke 34. Thesecasings are in approximate axial alignment -with the coil springs t2 ateach side of the yoke, being threadedly mounted on studs Il extendingthereinto, which in turn are supported by the posts |05, the latterbeing attached to the base plate IQ by suitable means, such as bolts I.The cushioning means are rendered axially adjustable by rotation of thecasings itil on the Studs IM to provide for even engagement of the twosides of the yoke tl therewith, thus reducing Wear and making for moreefficient operation. Locknuts i3? secure the casings in proper positionfor said uniform buer action.

Cooperating with the cushioning means i8! in eilecting smootheroperation and prolonging the life of the machine, is a clutch releaseassembly generally designated |68 which assists the reversing mechanismi3 in making more positive and instantaneous release of the slidingclutch member I9 from the driven clutch member 23 when shaft i3 issubjected to the present resisting torque during the closing of thevalve being tested.

This assembly comprises a link member lli) Vpivotally mounted atopposite to a projecting portion Ill of yoke 35i and to lever H2 as bymeans of the pins I|3 and lill, respectively. Thev lever is pivotally'supported intermediate its ends by a slotted bar IE mounted on thebearing #il by suitable means. The lower end of the lever I I2 has arounded projection It which engagesa step Illr ofend portion 'it of theactuator` member 'I3-in inward force imparting relation when the sleeve26 and the yoke 34 are shifted by the camming action of roller pin 21.

The movement or" the spring loaded reciprocally mounted yokeV 3dtherefore not onlytrips the catch member 'i9 through the rod 44releasing the spring lI for reversal of the drive, but it is alsodirectly communicated through the linkage to the actuator member i3 andtheA guide l for simultaneous effort on the shifting or dog clutchmember le for ready release of the same from the driven clutch member23. Such assistance is advisable and necessary to insure dis',-engagement oi rotational drive in the direction of valve closure memberin spite of the loading of the engaging clutch members as resistingtorque is being applied to shaft I3. This assembly thereby eliminatessticking and possible injury of the clutch members and reduces ,wear onthe same, particularly for the higher torque settings.

It should also be noted that link member HD is adjustable as to itslength, being formed of an outer and inner part l le and 29,respectively, the latter member receiving a threaded extension of theformer. A locknut 52| secures the length selected. The clutch releaseassembly `is therefore adjustable, the amount of movement and the forcetransmitted from the reciprocal yoke 312 being variable according to thelength ci the link member lili.

A conventional counter |23 is conveniently mounted on the valve testingmachine as on the bearing ifi, and is connected to a reciprocatingportion as the actuator end 'it `by means of a rod |255, for recordingthe number of opening and closing operations performed, for instance, ona particular valve.

An equalizer assembly generally designated |21 is provided on the sideopposite reversing springs G9 and li to balance or equalize theofi-center forces applied to the dial assembly 55 by said springs whichwould otherwise place the dial Vassembly and the threaded portion of theshaft I3 under stress causing excessive Wear and unreliable operation.

The equalizer assembly comprises an extensible casing t28 mountedbetween the post |253 which is secured to the base plate IQ by suitablemeans and an extending portion |3El or the dial assembly. Within thecasing and exerting endwivse force on the extending portion S39 is acoil spring i3l of suicient stiiiness to balance or overcome thecombined moment placed on the dial assembly by the springs t9 and ll. Asthe latter springs are compressed by the inward movement of the dialassembly, the equalizer spring is also compressed, relieving the dialassembly of the objectionable tendency to cant on the shalt threads,thus providing for smoother operation and longer liie for the affectedparts.

As herein described, the valve tester device is moet suitable fortesting valve packing, stem friction and the like. lf it is desired totest the closure member and seat for fluid tightness after a number ofopening and closing operations of the valve, c. timing device, such as arepeating cycle timer can easily be connected to the power supply of theelectric motor to intermittently operate the saine by providing for ashut-oit when the valve is in the closed position. Thus, any leaksthrough the valve will be detected during the shut-orf period of themotor. To synchronizermotor shut-ori With-the closing of the valve, thetiming device can be electrically connected to the shiftable member 13,thereby being. operablewhen member 'I3 is in a position correspondingtothe closed position of the Valve.

The above timing arrangement is essentially an electrical connectionbetween the novel as-.e sembly constituting this invention and theelecshaft reversal will be expended in lost motionv rather than beingdirectly transmitted to the valve after the latter has fully closed.SuchV a vlost motion connection merely insuresv that the valve is closedand prevents the machinery momentum from opening the valve after themotor is shut off by the timing device. This lost motion'connection mayconsist ofl a running thread connection between shaft I3 and the, valvestem, the threads being on an intermediate sleeve provided with a keywayto permit axial movement of the threaded connection.

It should be apparent also that there is herein provided an automaticshaft reverserand torque limiter which operates 01T a constant, singledirectional driving force. It'should be further clear that the drivingforce may be continually applied to the machine even While the drivenshaft section 29 is prevented from rotating by saidl resisting torqueand with no damage resulting. The latter provision is a desirablefeature ofthe cam operation which allows one section 3l of the shaft I3to rotate while the 'other section 29 is stationary. f I

Although this invention has been' described and illustrated in one form,such as a valve testing machine, it need not be so limited inasmuch asit is susceptible to many changes and applications of usewithoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as measuredby the appended claims.

I claim: k .1. A combination shaft reverser and torque limiter machinecomprising axially aligned shaft sections, a pair of spaced membersmounted on one of said shaft sections for rotational movement relativethereto, means foreifecting opposite rotation of said spaced members,shiftable means mounted on said shaft section intermediate said spacedmembers for rotation with said shaft section and having alternateengagement with each of said spaced members whereby said shaft sectionmay be driven inl opposite direce tions, means connecting said shaftsection with A a second shaft section forproviding substantial unitaryrotation of the two sections, said means including abutment means. onvsaid first shaft section and an axially movable member rotativelysecured to said second shaftv section and normally inv abutting drivingrelation with said abutment means, means for yieldingly holding saidaxially movable member in said abutting relation, said holding meansincluding a member which is `reciprocally .mounted on said second shaftsection, said abutting means and axially movable member being adap-tedto engage each other upon application of a predetermined resistingtorque to said second shaft section so as to axially displace saidmovable member and also the reciprocally n mounted `member of saidl'holding means, means cooperating with said reciprocally mounted memberfor cushioning the return of the same to its original position and ofsaid axially movable memberto itsV normal driving relation `with saidabutting means after withdrawal of said resisting torque, spring loadedactuator means for shifting said shiftable means alternately to theextreme positions and in driving engagement with said spaced members,means cooperating with said first shaft section and operable by rotationthereof for actuation of said actuator means in one direction, and meanscooperating with the reciprocally mounted member of said holding meansand operable by said axial displacement thereof for movement of saidactuator means in the oppositedirection for opposite rotation of theshaft sections.

, 2. A combination shaft reverser and torque limiter machine comprisingaxially aligned shaft sections, a pair of spaced members mounted on oneof said shaft sections for rotational movement relative thereto, meansfor effecting` opposite rotation of said spaced members, shiftable meanslmounted on said shaft section intermediate said spaced members forrotation with said shaft section and having alternate engagement witheach of said spaced members whereby. said shaft section may be driven inopposite directions, means -connecting said shaft section with a secondshaft section for providing substantial unitary rotation of the twosections, said means including abutment means on said rst shaft sec'-tion and an axiallymovable member rotatively secured to said secondshaft section `and normally in abutting driving relation with saidabutment means, means for yieldingly holding said axially movable memberin said abutting relation, said holding means including a member whichis reciprocally mounted on said second shaft section and resilient meansoperating said vlatter member, said abutting means and axially beapplied to said shaft section, means cooperating with said reciprocallymounted member for cushioning the return of the same to its originalposition and of said axially movable member to its normal drivingrelation with said abutting means after withdrawal of said resistingtorque, spring loaded actuator means for-shifting said shiftable meansAalternately to the extremepositions' and in driving engagement withsaidv spaced members, means cooperating with said first shaft sectionand operable by rotation thereof for'actuation of said actuator means inone direction, and means cooperating with the reciprocally mountedmember of said holding means and operable by said axial displacementthereof for movement of said actuatorable means .mounted onsaid shaftsectionV inter- Ya 'member which is reciprocally mounted on 'said secondshaft section, Jsaidalmtting means and axially movable member being'adapted Vto en- -gagefeach other 'fupon applica-tion lof laApredeterrmined resisting 'torque ito isaid second shaft Ysec- -btion so.as -toaxially itlisplace saiid movable membierY and :also thereciprocaily 'mounted -menr'ber Aof .said `holding aneans, spr-ing'loaded actuator 'imeans forshiftingysaid lshiitable-rr1'earrsA-aitermatirelyfto ithe extreme positions and-in Engagement with .said4spaced members, means cooperating :with .said riiirst shaft :sectionand 2op- .:erable Eby rotationthereo'f `for -al'ztuation of --safidactuator meansin .one direction-rn eanscoepera't- `.ivviththereciprooally mounted lmembercof o zsaid. holding :means -andoperabledoy 4said vaxial displacement thereof :for i actuation "of :saidyactuiatorimeans :in :theropposite -fd-irectio'n tor oppozsite rotationof the-shattsections, 'and means `icooperating withzsaidreciprocalflyimounted -m'ember :toreeftecting .direct transmission -offthe moztion -andforce :of l-said axialfdispla'cement L thereof `ato:said iactuaitor ksneans 'for .positive disengage- `inent ofsaidfshiftable uneans from one :of lsaid spaced members.

14..-A scombination shaft ireverser 'land itorque .'limiterrfmachme.fcomprising'faxiaily aligned shaft .sectionsg'a :pair :of ispanedmembers mounted 'on one of said ishat :sections .-for'rotational1move-.ment -irelative 'atheretd means `:for directing oppov:sitev rotation`.of :said spaced "members, @shiftable v.means -mounted on :said .zshaftsection intermedi- .aate vsaid .spaced :members iforrotation with :fsaidshaft section and having :alteimate fengagement witheachof saidzspacedsnernbers'wviiereby fsaid ffshaft ssection -anay @be :driven iinopposite directions, .means connectingsaid .shaft section `with .a.second shaft fsection :ifor :providing :substantial nunitary:rotationiof Ythe tworsections, said means including ':abutment meansion said `frisst fshazft sectionsandtan axially movable memherimtatiuelyY secured-to-said ,second:shaftssectioniandznonnally `in :abuttingndriving :relation with :said :abutment Y means, :means .for ,yieldinglyfhoidingxsaid :axially movable member :said abutting ;relation, said.holding imeans iincludinga memberiuihich :ismaeicprocally .mounted.on.said second shaft :section and resilient Ameans operating .-on saidlatter memben saidabutting means L:and axially .mov- Aable member.beingadaptedto engageieachzother upon r-application sof a,predetermined resisting torque .to .said :second fshaft section Iso :as.to `axially displace xsaid [movable :member fand :also 4theireciprocally :mounted member mi .said :holding means, said holdinginreans including sad- ;justment means :for varying `.the lcading :of.said resilient means :and :consequently `Iilianging ithe:resistingtorquenecessaryfor :said faxialriilae- .ment and )indicator Lmeans for ipredeterrninatly .setting :the `desired :maximum :resistingltorque ito .J2 be, appliedto said shaft section, spring loaded`actuator meansfor shitting said shiftable'means alternatively to theyextreme positions in A driving engagement with said-spacedmerribers,means vcoopera-ting with #said rst 'shaft 'section Aand operable byrotation thereof 'for actuation of said yactuator means -in onedirection,-means cooperating with 4'the reciprocally mounted fmemvlberof said holding 'means and operable by said axial displacement thereoffor -actuation'of said actuator `means in xthe opposite direotion'fforopposite rotation ofthe shaft sections, and means cooperating`withsaidreoiprocally lnountnei `meinlbervfcr effecting directtransmission -o'fthe 'mo- 'tion and'oroe oi saidaerial-displacementYthereof 4-to said :actuator means *for positiveI'disengagement of Vsaid shiftalblefmeans lf-rom `one-off said spacedmembers.

5. The subject matter 4of Aclaim -11 including meanscooperatng avi'thsaid reciprocally mounted :member for effecting direct transmission of:the Amotion and foroe 4.ofsaid axial displacement thereof to 4saidactuator :means `for positive fdisengagement votfsaid shiftabie means-trom lone :of said tspaced menibers;

' f6. .combination @shaft reverser land ltorque limiter machinecomprising -axiailyaligned-shaft '.sections, a pair Vlof spaced members-mounted on ione io :said `shaft sections Stor `:rotational '-mouemienterelattvelithereto, reachsofgsaid A.merribersfincludingmlutch:meansfmeans'for Leffeotingisimiftaneous Lopposite rotation' :of saidspaced Amem-- ibers, a. ,shiftabie-doukile folutcn mem'berimounted sonfthe. said sha'ttfsectiociiintermediate saidsspaiced v:membersitorrrotation with saidrshaitisectioniand 4alternate engagement withV-zeaoh tof Afthe :clutch :means 1 of @said :spaced :members 'zsazid:shaft .section-.may be driven iin :opposite directions, meansconnecting said shaft seotioniwiath a secondr-shaitseotionfiorsubstantial mntaryfrotation `of .the .two sections, ,said 1means including abutting meansvon the.-first.shaf;t seotionrandfanaxially .movable sleeve rotatably-secured :to said .second shaft sectionand Shaving surface ,means 'for abutting driving relation 'Withv said.abutting 4D means, means for'yieldingly holding said sleeve in saidabutting relation, said holding ;means including a non-rotatable yokewhichiismeeiprocally mounted on said second. shaft section, saidabutting -means `and 'ithe surface means of said sleeve -being r'adaptedjto engage each "other upon application of a predetermined resistingtorque to Jsaid lsecond Y'shaft section so as 5to "axially displace'said `sleeve qand 'also said yoke, means cooperating `vvith 'said yoke"for 'cushioning lthe return of the 'same to #its original hposition Y'and of said sleevelto its normal v"olriving Arelation -With lsaid `pinfatter 'withdrawal of Asaidrresisting torque, saidmeans Jcomprising -acasing, "resilient kmeans Imounted therein and K'extending there-"'fromifor contact 'bysaid yoke, threaded SiiIZDQrt- "ingimeansrorsaid'casinsfsaid casing'beinszaxilally adjustable thereon, n'n'mnting;means `for Vpositioning said *supporting means' relative to Lthe rest of'theimaihine actuator means 'for shifting saidJ double clutch memberalternately into leach of the extreme; positions Jthere-of said meansfin- 4cluding `at least gtwo springs 'for 'the actuation thereof fandcatch `means `to "secureithe vsame against raction of said springs,means coQRerat- `ing Awith `fsaid rst 'section and operable bye rotationthereofiin one direotioniirst'-tolloax isai'd springs and "subsequentlynto release Vsaid 'catch lallowing -one of said springs *to :shift 'said"actuator means Aand Idouble `olutr'zh member -,toithe'.oppositefextremepositionsfthereof, andmeans cooperating with saidreciprocally mounted yoke and operable by said axial displacementthereof to again release said catch allowing the other of said springsto shift the said actuator means and clutch member to the other extremepositions thereof for opposite rotation of said shaft sections.

'1. A combination shaft reverser and torque limiter machine comprisingaxially aligned shaft sections, a pair of spaced members mounted on oneof said shaft sections for rotational movement relative thereto, each ofsaid members including clutch means, means for effecting simultaneousopposite rotation of said spaced members, a shiftable double clutchmember mounted on the said shaft section intermediate said spacedmembers for rotation with said shaft section and alternate engagementwith each of the clutch means of said spaced members whereby said shaftsection may be driven in opposite directions, means connecting saidshaft section with a second shaft section for providing substantialunitary rotation of the two sections, said means including abuttingmeans on the first shaft section and an axially movable sleeve rotatablysecured to said second shaft section and having surface means forabutting driving relation with said abutting means, means for yieldinglyholding said sleeve in said abutting relation, said holding meansincluding a non-rotatable yoke, the latter member being reciprocallymounted on said second shaft section, said abutting means and thesurface means of said sleeve being adapted to engage each other uponapplication of a predetermined resisting torque to said second shaftsection so as to axially displace said sleeve and also said yoke,actuator means for shifting said double clutch member alternately intoeach of the extreme positions thereof, said actuator means including atleast two springs for the actuation thereof and catch means to securethe same against action of said springs, means cooperating With saidfirst shaft section and operable by rotation thereof in one directionfirst to load the said springs and subsequently to release said catchallowing one of said springs to shift said actuator means and doubleclutch member to the opposite extreme positions thereof, meanscooperating with said reciprocally mounted yoke and operable by saidaxial displacement thereof to again release said catch allowing theother of said springs to shift the actuator means and clutch member tothe other extreme positions thereof for opposite rotation of said shaftsections, means cooperating with said yoke for effecting transmission ofthe motion and force of said axial displacement thereof to said actuatormeans for positive disengagement of said shiftable clutch member fromthe clutch means of one of said spaced members, said yoke cooperatingmeans comprising link means connected to said yoke, lever meansconnected to said link means, fixed fulcrum means for said lever means,said lever means being adapted to press against a portion of saidactuator means during said axial displacement of said yoke.

8. The subject matter of claim 6 including additional means cooperatingwith said yoke for effecting transmission of the motion and force ofsaid axial displacement thereof to said actuator means for positivedisengagement of said shiftable clutch member from the clutch means ofone of said spaced members, said additional means comprising link meansconnected to said yoke, lever means connected to said link means, fixedfulcrum means for said lever means, said 14 lever means being adapted topress against a portion of said actuator means during said axialdisplacement of said yoke.

9. A combination shaft reverser and torque limiter machine comprisingaxially aligned shaft sections, a pair of spaced members mounted on oneof said shaft sections for rotational movement relative thereto, each ofsaid members in' cluding clutch means, means for effecting simultaneousopposite rotation of said spaced members, a shiftable double clutchmember mounted on the said shaft section intermediate said spacedmembers for rotation with said shaft section and alternate engagementwith each of the clutch means of said spaced members whereby said shaftsection may be driven in opposite directions, means connecting saidshaft section with a second shaft section for substantial unitaryrotation of the two sections, said means including abutting means on thefirst shaft section and an axially movable sleeve rotatably secured tosaid second shaft section and having surface means for abutting drivingrelation with said abutting means, means for yieldingly holding saidsleeve in said abutting relation, said holding means including anon-rotatable yoke which is reciprocally mounted on said second shaftsection and resilient means operating on said yoke, said abutting meansand the surface means of said sleeve being adapted to engage each otherupon application of a predetermined resisting torque to said secondshaft section so as to axially displace said sleeve and also said yoke,said holding means including adjustment means for varying the loading ofsaid resilient means and consequently changing the resisting torquenecessary for said axial displacement and indicator means forpredeterminately setting the desired maximum resisting torque to beapplied to said shaft section, means cooperating with said yoke forcushioning the return of the same to its original position and of saidsleeve to its normal driving relation with said pin after withdrawal ofsaid resting torque, said means comprising a casing, resilient meansmounted therein and extending therefrom for contact by said yoke,threaded supporting means for said casing, said casing being axiallyadjustable thereon, mounting means for positioning said supporting meansrelative to the rest of the machine, actuator means for shifting saiddouble clutch member alternately into each of the extreme positionsthereof, said means including at least two springs for the actuationthereof and catch means to secure the same against action of saidsprings, means cooperating with said first shaft section and operable byrotation thereof in one direction first to load said springs andsubsequently to release said catch allowing one of said springs to shiftsaid actuator means and double clutch member to the opposite extremepositions thereof, and means cooperating with said reciprocally mountedyoke and operable by said axial displacement thereof to again releasesaid catch allowing the other of said springs to shift the said actuatormeans and clutch member to the other extreme positions thereof foropposite rotation of said shaft sections, additional means cooperatingwith said yoke for effecting transmission of the motion and forcevofsaid axial displacement thereof to said actuator means for positivedisengagement of said shiftable clutch member from the clutch means ofone of said spaced members, said additional means comprising link meansconnected tosaidyoireLlever means connectedto said link means,fixed.'fulcrum means for said lever means,

,ber mounted for rotational movement relative to the shaft, the saidspaced members being oppositely rotatable, the said shaft sectionshaving shiftable means thereon intermediate the said spaced membersrotatable with the said shaft sections, the said shiftable means beingpredeterminately engageable with said spaced members to permit saidshaft sections to be driven in opposite directions, coupling meanscooperating with the said shaft sections whereby the latter sections maybe moved unitarily, said coupling vmeans including a member axiallymovable on 16 one of said shaftsections and mountedinshoulder relationonJthe other of said shaft sections, means on one of .the shaft sectionsfor retaining said axially movable member in saidshoulder relation uponapplication to one of the shaft sections of apredetermined resistingtorque to thereby displace said movable member and a portion oi saidretaining means, resilient actuator vmeans .for moving said shiftablemeans predeterminately 4to end limit positions in driving engagementwith the spaced members, one of the shaft sections havingnieans operablefor electing movement of said actuator means, the said retaining meanshaving means operable by ,movement of said retaining means to effect.movement of the actuator meansin an opposite direction to rotate saidshaft sections in an opposite direction.

JULIUS A. HJULIAN.

No` references cited.

